Super Eagles striker Victor Boniface has opened up about how a big-money move to Saudi Arabia dramatically collapsed at the final stage—despite having packed his bags and even given away his designer clothes.
The Bayer Leverkusen forward was set to join Saudi Pro League side Al-Nassr during the January transfer window in a deal worth €45 million (₦80 billion) over three years. Personal terms had been agreed, a medical passed, and Bayer Leverkusen had reportedly accepted the offer.
However, the transfer fell apart when Al-Nassr chose to sign Aston Villa’s Jhon Duran instead.
“There was one part that was about money. I have faced a lot of injuries and I am young,” Boniface said during an appearance on The Culture League podcast. “It was the January transfer window, I had a great offer from Saudi… I started calling family.”
He explained how the buzz around the deal became intense.
“I was on the internet, people were already calculating the money. I called my elder brother who loves football. I said, ‘I have an offer from Saudi; I also had an offer from a top team in Italy.’
“He told me to go to Italy for Champions League football and the World Cup. But two minutes after ending the call, he rang back. He had seen a post from Tunde Ednut about the money and told me I must go to Saudi Arabia!”
Boniface noted that the decision wasn’t solely his. Leverkusen were also on board due to the financial incentive.
“I already agreed to the offer because it’s not just about me. The club wanted it too—it was about €70 million and they said yes.”
With approval from the club and personal arrangements made, Boniface was confident the move would happen.
“I packed my bags. I live in Cologne, we drove to Frankfurt. I had already given out most of my designer clothes and shoes to my friends. The flight was waiting. I was in my hotel room praying, but it didn’t work out last minute.”
Since joining Leverkusen in July 2023, Boniface has impressed, contributing to 44 goals—scoring 32 and assisting 12. He is now reportedly attracting interest from Serie A giants AC Milan.
